Sites We Like

RealUltimatePower

Poop Report

Fat Chicks in Party Hats

Xbox-Scene

TechLore

NEWS 451 - 36 Comments
From: Ross Entered on: October 21, 2007 6:23 PM
World's Biggest Pancake Invent a Teleporter Traveling Circus Roadshow Assassins for Hire Cult Leaders   I'm open to any of these, and only these.  All other projects are a waste of time.
From: Jackzilla Entered on: October 21, 2007 8:00 PM
Ross said: World's Biggest Pancake Invent a Teleporter Traveling Circus Roadshow Assassins for Hire Cult Leaders   I'm open to any of these, and only these. All other projects are a waste of time.   The Teleporter idea interests me.  Could we incorporate a Time Machine, or would that be best left as a separate project?  I can make the buttons - I have a label machine so they'll look professional.
From: Jackzilla Entered on: October 22, 2007 10:45 AM
So what's the timetable on this project?
From: NickNick Entered on: October 22, 2007 11:35 AM
I think we should catalog the world's largest spank bank and market it for millions of dollars.  It could have software like those online radios out there that pulls movies based on your previous choices.
From: Radmobile Entered on: October 22, 2007 1:12 PM
Ah yes, like Pandora.... but for porn.
From: NickNick Entered on: October 22, 2007 1:27 PM
EPIPHANY!!! We could call it "Porndora's Box"
From: Radmobile Entered on: October 22, 2007 1:34 PM
Or, keeping true to Jackasserry's terminology, "Perndora's Box"
From: Jackzilla Entered on: October 22, 2007 2:09 PM
Pernderer's Berx? So Fatty - Are we on the right track for what you had in mind?
From: Ross Entered on: October 22, 2007 2:25 PM
I was just going to say - Fatty is probably simmering pretty good right now... :) "Ferking arseherls...."
From: BigFatty Entered on: October 22, 2007 3:40 PM
Like this was something I could not imagine happening on JA - You guys took me totally by surprise... WHY ARE YOU MOCKING ME!!!!! Now... I expect a few more lingering comments, but... We would have a silly contest - like the weird beard one we've talked about.  Each taking a month to grow in a beard - carve it up, take a pic - then make it so you can go out in public. Or we can do something with a common interest - um - babies come to mind.... but not everyone has one... and I'm not sure what we could do on that angle. We could aim our sites high and decide to change the world.  I too, have thought about the cult, Ross.... It is not a crazy idea - but I am not sure if any one of us has the personality or morality to control people with known lies.  Or the time! We also have electronics, music, movies, video games, politics, cooking, environment, health/ fitness (which we never seem to finish any project :) ) We could even pick some weird topic that none of us knows about and document our experiences - this was what got me thinking on YouTube - some city dwelling Londoners decided to turn their small backyard into a self sufficient farm.  They built a chicken coop and raised chickens... Personally, I like ideas that could develop into something entrepreneurial, but fun or meaningful ones would work - or even Ross' Pancake.  Knowing our competitive spirit, a contest seems to be the best for us.  Who can do or make the best (BLANK).   It has to be something that we can use webcams/photos to document and share. At the very least, it will put back some spark into our site.  Lots of people stop in for a visit, but have no comments to share - including myself!
From: Ross Entered on: October 22, 2007 3:57 PM
I hear what you're saying, and of course even though I immediately ridiculed you, I agree that some kind of group project would be interesting and fun.  I'll keep mulling it over.  I just don't have anything compelling right now.
From: Jackzilla Entered on: October 22, 2007 4:21 PM
So we're scrapping the Transporter/Time Machine idea?
From: BigFatty Entered on: October 22, 2007 4:42 PM
Of course not.... that is still on the table... it might be more of a long-term project.  We should start off with something a little smaller in scope to break us in to the group project efforts - and something that will not consume billions of dollars. I like the idea that Jack and I have... that we can write and make a sweet pop song - Bootie Quake!  We could make it a group project to see if we can't make it famous... or at least get it on the charts... somewhere. A project that would get us some PR would be kinda fun.  If only we could get Brian Jones involved......  well, we have been successful in the past with many of our smaller projects - Xbox mods (largely successful), at least one or two health challenges (not by me! - Ross, Bone, and Roche have this success), Jack and I got his Clixs tourneys ranked (by size) in the top 50 in the US in under a year.  There are others if we think about it.  What I am saying is, we have the talent, drive, and intelligence to do something big.  Why not try and see what we can do?
From: NickNick Entered on: October 23, 2007 8:18 AM
I think it would be good idea to have a project.  Especially with all of us scattered around the country and overseas.  We could even do something where one person has the project for a week or a month and then passes it on to the next participant.  Some form of on-line documentary perhaps.  Social commentary.  I agree with Bert though, I need time to mull it over.
From: NickNick Entered on: October 23, 2007 9:47 AM
What if, for instance, one of us were to already have a small project. Say, for instance, a comic book, or something like that? Could that, somehow, be incorporated into the Borg Collective? Or in Jackassery speak, the Berg Cerllerctive.
From: Ross Entered on: November 1, 2007 8:56 AM
Here's a project I've been wanting to do for a while: A double-blind MP3 vs CD listening challenge.  I am so sick of tards (Swerb included) claiming that "CDs sound better than MP3s."  On the face of it, that's largely true, since MP3s are compressed.  But the devil is in the details.  Even I can tell the difference between most 128kbps MP3s and their CD sources.  But I rip my stuff at 192, and I'm willing to wager that hardly anyone can tell the difference (above statistical chance) between them and the original CDs.  And if you rip at 256 or 320, forget it - no one can tell.   The key will be setting up the experiment properly.  We have to rig it so that we have simple access to, say, a 192kbps source, a 320kbps source, and the original source (ripped into WAV format so it can be accessed as quickly as the other files).  We could rig the computer so that the tester will press a button, and one of the three will randomly play for the testee, but neither the button pusher nor the listener knows what it is - the computer would record it somewhere that we would check later.  The testee would record his guesses as to whether he thought it was a 192, 320, or CD file being played.  We could do this for 10 or so songs, and later evaluate if anyone can beat chance (which would be 3 or 4 out of 10 correct).  Actually, you'd probably need a bigger sample size to show anything definitively. It's not like I'm the first person to think of this - every time someone does this kind of test, the audiophiles get their asses handed to them.  They whine and claim that they have to know ahead of time what the source is, and then they can really tell the difference.  Duh.
From: BigFatty Entered on: November 1, 2007 10:08 AM
Doesn't this issue depend largely on the type and quality of the equipment being used?  If you have very crappy equipment, then the little differences would not be heard.  Am I wrong on this?  Or should you be able to tell the difference on any equipment?  I know that audiophiles would have the best equipment and could possibly hear any differences.  My ancient laptop and low-grade speakers are no match for a high-end set-up. Plus, would we all access the files from the same place?  Would they be downloaded to our computers? This does not seem like a difficult project to participate in, but setting it up so it has some legitimate value might be difficult. I am game for exploring this more.  Who gets to pick the songs?  Will it be Pearl Jam or Prince?
From: Jackzilla Entered on: November 1, 2007 10:26 AM
Bert - I was talking to Angie about this the other day.  MP3 vs. lossless formats.  There's a community online I frequent for live bootlegs.  They've always had minimum share requirements and just recently upgraded the requirement of only sharing stuff in lossless formats.  It drives me buggy, because as you said, the human ear can't tell the difference between a high-sampled MP3 and CD/(or some other lossless format) anyways.  So we gain nothing in quality, but lose harddrive space and gain download time.  And it's not like live bootlegs are the greatest audio quality to begin with (a drunk fan screaming is a bigger issue than MP3 degradation). If it was one song, I wouldn't complain as much.  But when you're trying to download twenty-one 3-4 cd sets of music it starts to burn my ass! Now, as for the project.  It sounds like a lot of work for little benefit.  If "true" audiophiles believe there's a difference, I doubt this would change their minds. Now, can we get back to the Transporter/Time Machine idea?
From: Ross Entered on: November 1, 2007 11:29 AM
Fatty, you have a point as far as it goes, but yes, I am wagering that the equipment is irrelevant.  The testee can choose whatever equipment they like.  The computer would output a digital signal to any stereo system so you can guarantee that no noise is introduced. Jack - you make many valid points, exactly the kind of thing that drives me buggy as well. As for the cost/benefit - consider this:  we could develop the software to create these tests automatically for anyone who wants to conduct these tests in any configuration they like!  They could finally settle the arguments as to exactly what level of compression is noticeable on their given equipment. The software could simply take a CD, as you what tracks you want, rip them, and compress to any selected bitrates.  Then it could handle the whole testing procedure as well.  Hell, the testee could even report his results on a web page when he was ready to trigger the next song.  The possibilities are endless!
From: Jackzilla Entered on: November 1, 2007 12:37 PM
Awright Bert, but my Pascal skills are a bit dubious at best these days...
From: Ross Entered on: November 1, 2007 12:44 PM
Hahahaha! Actually, I was thinking of writing it in LOLCode .
From: BigFatty Entered on: November 1, 2007 1:13 PM
If it is a program development, I am not sure where the rest of use could help. I was thinking that the songs would be ripped and saved somewhere in their various formats. Then people would download random sets and arrange the songs in order of quality. You would have to look at the means of ripping the songs to see if different programs do things differently. I am thinking there are a lot of variables we'd have to consider and control to keep the naysayers at bay. It is best to use a number of programs and have them do the same song. A lot of testing would have to be done. The website is a good idea to get enough people to give us a good sample size - but it would by no means be random. Plus we'd have to look at how to keep people from F'n things up with the study - just for kicks. It is starting to appeal a bit more to me, now. If it is progaming power you need - I am like Jack, but I could dust off Pascal, Basic, or FORTRAN!
From: Creeko Entered on: November 1, 2007 1:31 PM
I have a SACD player, considered by some to be even better than CD quality and if there is a difference I can't tell (save for the 5.1 channel surround). It came with my home theater, but if it didn't come with it I could have cared less. What I don't understand is these people who spend 100  bucks-a-foot for Hi-Fi cable and thousands of dollars on systems that sound only marginally better than a more moderately priced system.   My system cost me $400 and think it sounds pretty damn good. I'd have a hard time distinguishing the sound quality between mine and a $4,000 system.
From: Ross Entered on: November 1, 2007 1:33 PM
The cable issue is another one that would be easy to test, and whenever it is tested, the audiophiles always lose. I just think it's funny that they actually can't tell, but once they're told that they're listening to a cheaper system, they suddenly claim to be able to tell and it really matters to them.  Somehow they think this is a perfectly legitimate rationalization.
From: NickNick Entered on: November 28, 2007 2:18 PM
OK.  Back to this for a second.  Sometime after the holidays, could we do another weight or fitness type challenge?  I know all you new daddies out there are sporting the sympathy belly... maybe not as large as mine but you can't deny it.   And Rad, now that you're happy and taken, you're in danger of becoming a fat cat.  All content and lazy.  I'm just saying! Why don't we have a weight loss or fitness contest after the holidays and have something ride on it.  Whoever loses the least or doesn't meet their goals has to do something somewhat humiliating and record for posterity. I just need something to motivate me to get back into shape because I'm getting really tired of looking at my fat ass and I'm sure that Megan doesn't appreciate the full onslaught of a Herny Walrus at night. Just a thought.
From: Ross Entered on: November 28, 2007 3:00 PM
Already started, pops.  Though you're welcome to use my Diet Tracker to help you out and figure out how much you're beating BigFatty (because if you compete against him, you will win).  I started doing my diet in mid-September under the premise that I wouldn't be able to work out, but that diet was more important than exercise in regard to weight management anyway.  I have since revised my understanding some but I still think that that's largely true.  My status since I started looks like this:   Which isn't too bad - I think I'm losing about a pound a week at this point - my current goal (I do roughly month-to-month weight goals) is to be at 182 by the end of November, so I have one more pound to go.   Of course, I still have a ways to go until I'm back to my more preferred weight:   And yes, I'm doing all this despite the holidays!  I think Christmas will be harder than Thanksgiving (which was only 3 or so days of baddish eating) since I'll be out of my routine for a longer period.  But I got my weight back to pre-Thanksgiving levels as of yesterday.
From: NickNick Entered on: November 28, 2007 3:18 PM
Sweet.  Looks complicated but I haven't really delved into it yet.  I'll have to get current measurements but I think I'll jump into it.  Thanks again.  Soon, I will be an unstoppable killing machine and when I walk down the streets women all over will cream in their jeans.
From: BigFatty Entered on: November 28, 2007 3:35 PM
So what was the turning point after 5-1-06????  Was it your wedding??? Poor Heather.... You trapped her with your svelt, good looks.  Then, you let yourself go!  The chart speaks for itself my man!  You held off just enough to get married, then went full hog! Fuck it!  I'm in!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  This project is as good as any, plus it only has positive aspects.  But, from most of our experiences, the gains (losses) are short-lived.  Well, that only goes for the New Ross.  The Old Ross pulled off a metamorphisis that he has kept going for near a decade.  He always gets full props for that.  He was a completely different person - a Fatty fo sho! I'll bust out my scale to see where I am at.  Hmmm, I bet around the 195 mark.  I'll aim for 180 in three months.  The holidays will be a killer.  Alcohol is what gets me...  Its not that I am eating so much, but I have been eating more these days than I should! So Bubbles (Bert), I accept your obvious taunt into action.  Lose 15 pounds by March 1.  Thats the plan.  NickNick  - he's in!  Creeko - you need to be.  Bone - Fuck you!!!!!!!!!  Josh - um, well you do have a lot more stature than the last I remember.  Jack - Not even going to bother.  Swerb - Fuck you too!  (Skinny, Bacon eating, mother-flipper).
From: BigFatty Entered on: November 28, 2007 3:38 PM
Oh... and before and after pics are a MUST!!!  Not to show any progress.  It is just to let others laugh at how we let ourselves go!  We only post them if we did sweet.  Before and After Fat Photos somehow don't make the site.  Oh the shame!!!!!!!!!!!!!
From: Radmobile Entered on: November 28, 2007 3:44 PM
I'm in.  I've lost a bit since you saw me last but not as much as I'd like.  These days I hover between 180 and 185.  Getting under 180 will be where I start to feel like I've accomplished something.  If we do before pictures is it with guts fully extended?
From: BigFatty Entered on: November 28, 2007 4:23 PM
I just took my 'before' pic.  Maybe I was a little generous with a 195 estimation...  I certainly looked better in the mirror, but on camera - Wow - full slob. The gut fully extended was not an option for me, it is a standard accessory. The Rad I last saw was 'Pre-Times'.  Surely all the frukin has gotten you all tight and shiny (Sorry, Bunky, you must have gotten all hot over that imagery.)  Look at Rad with Cap't A Fatty and you'll see the Rad that once was.  But, will Ann miss all the cushion behind the pushin?  You got to give the lady something to hold on to and keep her warm at night. My weight loss might get a jump start with a proper hairdo and a shave.  It could knock off a good pound with the loss of the grizzly goatee.  When I get to 180 - I will go clean shaven for the first time in a year.  Off with the 300-inspired goatee (which doesn't look anything remotely close to any beard in the movie).
From: Ross Entered on: November 29, 2007 7:50 AM
Yeah, I've taken measurements but I have kept forgetting to take pictures.  It's too bad, too, because I'm about 10 lbs lighter than I was when I started (I made my goal of 182 today).  I can still do it but you won't see me at my fattest (in recent years anyway).   I think alcohol actually contributed significantly to my recent weight gain as well.   I tended to drink fairly often with no real reason to, and after-work outings didn't help either.  Now, I don't avoid alcohol entirely, but I factor it in to my daily calorie count (which believe it or not, right now I'm eating 1200 calories a day and it really doesn't bother me). And by the way asshole, I was married in '05, not '06.  Since you were in the wedding I thought you might have a shot at realizing that.  :)
From: NickNick Entered on: November 29, 2007 9:00 AM
You're expecting too much from Will. Looks like I'm the designated heavyweight here. I'm carrying an average of 200 lbs on my 5'6" frame. 2 years ago I topped out at 210. Damn, I'm a tub. I'll do the before and after pictures, just don't let other people see them because it might cause temporary blindness and permanent brain damage So, do we put stakes to this? Something to help motivate the lazy asses like my self??
From: BigFatty Entered on: November 29, 2007 1:14 PM
Whew.... I just jumped off the scale.  I was not too far off at a svelt 192 with all my clothes on (thank goodness).  Going nude, after a big poop and a haircut and shave, I estimate my weight to be about 125 pounds (with no shoes or socks of course)... so I don't think I need this challenge.  But man, that before pick of me was N.A.S.T.Y. Here is the incentive for you, Nickopotamus..... you submit both before and after photos (topless) and if you don't do sweet, then they will be posted and ridiculed by the world.  Plus endless variations of a photoshopped 'before' pic will find its way around the internet.  If you lost a respectable tonnage, then you will not sweat it.... cuz you will have a healthy dose of 'Look at me now, bitches!!" Already Fatty is off the wagon (No surprise, right Ross??)  I've just had 3 shots of whiskey.  Well, whats a Fatty to do????  Our Xmas liquor just arrived.  We had to sample!  Liquor is a daily ritual in Eastern Europe.
From: Ross Entered on: November 29, 2007 2:02 PM
I had a glass of scotch last night (still came in under 1200 calories for the day) - it was about 120 calories for 2 oz or so.  So 3 shots of whiskey isn't breaking the bank, calorie-wise.
From: BigFatty Entered on: November 29, 2007 4:59 PM
Ahem.....   I think I just drank half of your daily allowance tonight.  Shit, ninja - I was toasting the new diet!  There definitely is an alcohol problem - there is never enough!  Can I get an Amen!!! I'll try and keep this down some.... but we do have our work Xmas party next Friday.  They scheduled it to end at 3am and will be providing free drinks.  The Hungarian tradition is to get Woooooooooooooooooo F'ed up.  It is not so frowned upon at this particular event. My ex-colleague's Xmas party is a 3-day affair in Prague (yes all paid for by the company).  She was laughing because of an recent email prohibiting any drinking on the 5-hour bus ride.  She wonders what happened last year to warrant such a ban.  I think I have an idea..... Um 5 hours drinking on a bus with nothing else to do EQUALS one major drunk fest full of debauchery and puking with your co-workers.......  I think their ban is a wise one!  Too bad she missed out on it last year.  I reminded her that the 'international rules' of cheating come into play.  Maybe this was the reason her company choose a 3-day party in another country! Go Nissan!